By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is reviewing the citizenship records of Johnson Cai Chen, also known as Johnson Chua Sy, the son of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. chair Chen Zhong Zhen.
Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado underscored the seriousness of the investigation.
“Dual identities are red flags. If proven fraudulent, they will be dealt with swiftly and firmly under our laws. Our duty is clear: To protect the integrity of Philippine citizenship and our national security,” he said in a news release.
In a previous privilege speech, Senator Risa Hontiveros disclosed that Johnson Sy holds two active passports — one Chinese and one Filipino — and two birth certificates with conflicting details.
She warned that these irregularities point to possible fraudulent citizenship and pose a serious risk to national security.
It can be recalled that Chen Zhong Zhen was arrested in August by BI officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City for allegedly misrepresenting his Filipino citizenship.
He was found to have fingerprints matching those of a Chinese national and has since been detained at the BI facility in Bicutan, Taguig.
Meanwhile, the BI warned the public against dealing with fixers and unauthorized agents following the arrest of two individuals who falsely claimed to be employees of the agency.
According to reports, operatives of the Quezon City Police District – Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit arrested the suspects in an entrapment operation inside Camp Karingal on Friday night.
The two were accused of extorting money from a 43-year-old Korean national in exchange for the renewal of his working visa and Alien Certificate of Registration.
Viado said the identities of the arrested individuals have been verified and that they are not BI employees.
He said legitimate immigration services can be conveniently and securely availed of through the BI e-services portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph or by visiting any of the more than 60 BI offices nationwide. (PNA)
